When it comes to tablets, it looks like no competitor can beat Microsoft with their "Surface Pro" series. But we can't underestimate Apple's work too, as the company has also been known for creating devices than run smoothly with increased security.
Now that Microsoft has taken their product development to the next level with the "Surface Book" laptop, this product deserves to be compared with another product in its class - the "MacBook Pro". Besides, Panos Panay, Microsoft's head of hardware did use the Apple device as a point of comparison, saying that the "Surface Book" is two times faster than the "MacBook Pro".
"Surface Book" vs "MacBook Pro" DESIGN
The two laptops share the same 13 inch display in silver bodies and machined metal construction, with "Surface Book" only .5 inch bigger in screen. However, the "Surface Book", being the newer product that it is, looks sharper and more modern with its wedge design. The "MacBook Pro" looks a little softer compared to Microsoft's device. The "Surface Book"'s dynamic fulcrum hinge also adds up to the overall modern look of the laptop.
Both devices come with backlit keyboards and glass trackpads. They have similar weights as well, with "Surface Book"'s 3.34 pound weight and "MacBook Pro"'s 3.48 pound weight. It is also impressive how Microsoft "Surface Book" is only slightly larger than the "MacBook Pro" despite its detachable display. Microsoft's product measures 12.3 x 9.4 x 0.9 inches and Apple's product measures 12.35 x 8.62 x 0.71 inches.
Also, two design elements of the "Surface Book" set it apart from the "MacBook Pro" and from most laptops on the market. First, it is completely touch screen, and then it has a detachable screen, allowing for a tablet experience. Although it may seem like a total duplication of a Surface Pro, the "Surface Book" comes with a more solid keyboard dock compared to a Surface Pro's slim type cover. Also, the "Surface Book" is intentionally made as a laptop and not a tablet, despite all its tablet like features.
"Surface Book" vs "MacBook Pro" PERFORMANCE
Docking the display to the keyboard gives the "Surface Book" its maximum performance, as it is where the Nvidia GeForce GPU is located. The GPU uses GDDR5 memory for a speedier performance. Intel's sixth generation Skylake architecture Intel HD Graphics in the tablet part of the laptop and it adds up to Nvidia's graphics to provide users a seamless display experience.
"MacBook Pro" on the other hand is powered by 2.5 GHz dualcore Intel Core i5 processor (Turbo Boost up to 3.1 GHz) with 3MB L3 cache.
"Surface Book" vs "MacBook Pro" BATTERY LIFE
According to Microsoft, the battery life of the "Surface Book" wasn't compromised despite its heavy duty processors. They say that the device can last a long 12 hours of usage before it runs out of power, that is two hours longer than what Apple has claimed for in the "MacBook Pro".
"Surface Book" vs "MacBook Pro" ACCESSORIES
The Surface Pen differentiates the "Surface Book" from the "MacBook Pro". This pen isn't just a regular stylus that we have seen years ago, it gives users an ink to paper kind of experience and it even comes with an eraser/deleter at its end. The "MacBook Pro" does not have this option. If you want the stylus pen functionality on an Apple device, the iPad Pro is an investment you have to make so you can use the Apple Pencil.
"Surface Book" vs "MacBook Pro" DISPLAY
The "MacBook Pro" with retina display has a 2560 x 1600 pixel resolution, while the "Surface Book" has a 3000 x 2000 pixel resolution. The "Surface Book" also boasts its aspect ratio that is similar to the A4 paper, making it more natural to work on as a tablet as it is sized like a sheet of paper. However, you will see letterboxing if you watch videos that have16:9 aspect ratio as the screen hasn't been optimized for video usage. But in laptop mode, the 3:2 aspect ratio means less scrolling on browsers and spreadsheets.
"Surface Book" vs "MacBook Pro" Cameras, Ports And Expansions
Both devices are similar when it comes to their internal specifications. They both can be configured with up to 16gb RAM, 128gb to 512gb storage, wifi 802 11ac, and Blutooth 4.0.
There are differences when it comes to ports as the "MacBook Pro" comes with 2 usb 3.0 ports, 2 thunderbolt 2 ports, HDMI port, and an SD card reader. The "Surface Book" on the other hand has a more limited ports compared to Apple's laptop. It doesn't have the thunderbolt ports and it swapped the HDMI port for the Mini DisplayPort.
The "Surface Book" has two cameras, a 5 MP web cam and an 8 MP tablet rear cam. The "MacBook Pro" only has one camera which is a 720p HD camera.
"Surface Book" vs "MacBook Pro" Verdict
If we consider the price in deciding which one is better, it is worth noting that the "Surface Book" starts at $1500 but can reach $2700 if you add in more storage and have it fully configured. The "MacBook Pro" on the other hand only runs from $1300 to $1800. But the price of the "Surface Book" makes sense when you think about its 2 in 1 laptop tablet functionality. It just means having a "MacBook Pro", an iPad Pro, and an Apple Pencil, so the high price slightly makes sense.
So overall, it looks like the "Surface Book" outshines the "MacBook Pro". It is a new product, so it isn't a shocking fact if it really intended to beat "MacBook Pro". The question right now is, can Apple come up with a laptop that can take on the "Surface Book"?
